Kevin O’Connell of the Vikings Understand the Pressures of Developing JJ McCarthy
Vikings QB JJ McCarthy suffered a knee injury at the end of the season in the 2024 preseason. He needs surgery and is on the bench all year round.
This forced Sam Darnold to be their starter last season. Minnesota did not re-sign Darnold in the offseason, with the aim of McCarthy becoming the starter in 2025. Head coach Kevin O’Connell praised the young QB in his first real move. O’Connell mentioned the pressure to develop JJ McCarthy into a long-term QB, speaking with NFL insider Dianna Russini.
Can QB whisper Kevin O’Connell make JJ McCarthy a star?
Does Kevin O’Connell think he is impatient #vikings JJ McCarthy’s fans:
“I hope there will be positive and negative reactions. Our goal is to win football games and JJ will play a role at this point… All understand the foundations of development… pic.twitter.com/wc2gzpbsh3
– vikingzfanpage (@vikingzfanpage) August 15, 2025
With the 10th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Vikings chose QB JJ McCarthy from Michigan. McCarthy suffered a knee injury in the team’s first preseason game in 2024. He was forced to miss his entire first season but will be the 2025 Minnesota starter. This offseason is full of speculation about JJ McCarthy. Can he adapt quickly to the NFL and leave the Vikings in the NFC?
Vikings fans are optimistic about McCarthy’s chances of success. That’s because they have QB whispers Kevin O’Connell. He helped QB achieve its full potential in the system. This includes Kirk Cousins, Josh Dobbs and Sam Darnold. After being seen as a starter, O’Connell helped Sam Darnold last season with the Vikings leading 14-3.
It’s easy today #vikings The best practice day for QB JJ McCarthy. He is carving #patriots Defensive from the beginning. No mistakes. Great decision making.
Minnesota, we have QB. pic.twitter.com/nilupej78h
– vikingzfanpage (@vikingzfanpage) August 14, 2025
The first second pick was O’Connell’s most successful season of his career. Vikings fans have his track record and he is confident that he can get the most out of McCarthy. In college, Michigan made its first offense. That’s not true for McCarthy, Minnesota. He has one of the best catchers in the game.
Justin Jefferson is a luxury in WR, not many QBs. Last season, Jefferson had 103 catches, 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns. During his senior season at Michigan State, JJ McCarthy scored 2,991 yards in 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. His 72.3 completion percentage leads to all QBs of Big 10 in 2023. O’Connell can help with all things young QBs.
